Do’s & Don’ts – straight from my salon chair
I’m Anja, hairdresser and pro-grey specialist in Berlin-Mitte. Every year, as soon as the sun comes out, I see the same summer pitfalls with Grey Blending and clients wearing their white/grey hair. The solutions are often small, consistent steps. Here’s my roadmap for you.
Don’ts – just don’t
Going into the sun without UV protection
Grey/white hair has little to no melanin. Result: faster yellowing, dryness, dull shine.
Why it’s a problem: UV splits colour molecules and roughens the cuticle – your cool tone shifts.
Jumping into chlorinated/sea water – and rinsing out “later”
Salt pulls out moisture, chlorine and minerals stick to the hair and cause discolouration.
Why it’s a problem: Residue + sun = dull, yellowish lengths.
Using silver shampoo as an everyday shampoo
Too often = dull, dry, sometimes patchy violet tones.
Why it’s a problem: Many anti-yellow shampoos are highly pigmented and can be drying.
Hot styling without protection
A straightener at 200 °C will kill any glossing.
Why it’s a problem: Heat opens the cuticle, pigments escape, frizz gets in.
“One big bleaching session so I’m done” – right before a beach holiday
Why it’s a problem: Freshly lightened hair + lots of sun/chlorine = fast structure loss and tone shift.
Deep-cleansing every day
Why it’s a problem: Chelating/clarifying is good – too often makes hair porous and frizz-prone.
Letting curls air dry with a salt crust
Why it’s a problem: Salt crystallises, abrades the cuticle – bye-bye definition.
Do’s – to keep your grey clear, cool, and smooth
UV routine like skincare
Leave-in with UV filter in the lengths in the morning, hat/scarf during midday sun.
Logic: Protective film + shade reduce UV exposure, pigments stay stable.
Water trick before swimming
Saturate hair with tap water, then apply a light oil/leave-in as a barrier. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Logic: Saturated hair absorbs less chlorine/salt.
Glossing every 4–6 weeks
Cool, transparent tones keep grey clear and seal the cuticle.
Logic: Seals, neutralises warmth, adds mirror-like shine.
Pigmented care instead of constant silver shampoo
Silver shampoo once a week, better to use a pigmented conditioner/mask.
Logic: Same effect, more care, less drying – or opt for formulas designed for bleached hair structures.
Gentle washing & drying habits
Sulfate-free, rinse with lukewarm water, use a microfiber towel and press – don’t rub.
Logic: Less roughness = less frizz, longer toner life.
Heat discipline
Always heat protectant; straightener at 160–170 °C, dryer with diffuser on medium heat.
Logic: Pigments and bonds stay intact.
Weekly “smart” clarifying
Once a week, gentle demineralising (chelating/anti-residue), then a moisture mask.
Logic: Removes limescale/copper, prevents yellow/green – without stripping the lengths. Get your stylist’s advice on the right product for you.
Curls extra
Pre-poo (oil/balm) before washing, leave-in + gel/cream applied to wet hair.
Logic: Balances porosity, secures definition, evens out colour.
Step-by-step, not all at once
With a plan and solid care routine, you’ll get through summer beautifully.
Mini plans for real days
Beach day
Before: water + leave-in/oil.
During: hat, occasional moisture spray.
After: rinse well, mild shampoo, rich conditioner, air dry or cool diffuser.
Pool day
Before: same as above; after: short anti-residue wash, then 10–15 min moisture mask.
Finish: heat protectant, gentle styling.
City heat
Morning: UV leave-in. Evening: just rinse + quick conditioner treatment. Washing every 2–3 days is often enough.
Troubleshooting (short & precise)
- Yellow tones: Violet neutralises yellow, blue neutralises orange → Silver shampoo 1×/week; better: pigmented conditioner + glossing refresh.
- Dullness: Likely mineral build-up → Gentle clarifying, then moisture + some protein.
- Post-holiday frizz: Cuticle stressed → Bond treatment in the salon, rich masks at home, lower heat.
No drama, no dogma – just clear decisions. If your grey is “wobbling” right now, we’ll get it back on track with technique, care, and intention.
Greetings from Berlin-Mitte,
Anja
📍 Berlin-Mitte · Personal. Honest. Craft with a plan.
💌 Book your consultation now and step into summer polished and prepared.